- Amadina erythrocephala
Identification
L. 13cm Males are easily distinguished from the females by the rust red head and more colourful breast pattern. Light fawn body, feathers marked with black bars, chocolate underside, grey tail, white throat with red band on front of neck , brown eyes, pale beak and legs. Female has a grey-brown head and duller underside.
Distribution
Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe.
Taxonomy
Two subspecies are recognized, erythrocephala and dissita. This species has been known to hybridise with the Cut-throat Amadina fasciata (Tarboton, 2007).
Habitat
Open country with bushes.
Behaviour
Breeding
Breeding: Season: Mainly winter months throughout s Africa, February to September; almost any month in Kalahari, according to rainfall. Nest: Pad or ball of grass and feathers; in old nest of sparrow, Ploceus weaver (especially of Chestnut Weaver in n Namibia), Red billed Buffalo Weaver, Sociable Weaver, or in hole in tree or building; solitary or in small colony of 2-3 pairs in adjacent nest chambers. Clutch: 2-4, 2-11 eggs (usually 4-6). Eggs: White rounded Incubation: 12-14 days by both sexes. Nestling: 15-21 days; fed by both parents.
Diet
Its diet includes seeds and insects.
References
Tarboton W. 2007. Hybrid Red-headed x Cut-throat Finch. http://www.birdinfo.co.za/landbirds/34_hybrid_red-headed_cut-throat_finch.htm. Downloaded 22 October 2007.
